The FBI says it gets a huge amount of calls from people targeted in payday loan telephone collection scams. Authorities say the scammer claims to represent the FBI, a law firm or other legitimate-sounding agencies, collecting debts for cash advance companies. The scam artists already have some personal financial information of the victims, including bank accounts and social security numbers.

Many victims told the FBI they completed online applications for loans or credit cards before these scam calls began.

The callers threaten victims with lawsuits, arrests, even physical violence if they refuse to pay.

The FBI says if this happens to you, call your bank, contact the three major credit bureaus to put an alert on your file, and call police if you feel like you are in danger. You can also file a complaint with the FBI.

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